Jacktone Lawi

ECONOMY: The past two years have recorded mixed fortunes for business entities in the country with some witnessing an uptick in performance while others were forced to shut down entirely.

For the hospitality sector, which was arguably one of the hardest hit by the Coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic, stakeholders remain optimistic about 2022.

This is despite the uncertainty that is caused by Covid-19 and the prevailing political and the impending electioneering period ahead.

Michael Macharia, Kenya Association of Hotel Keepers and Caterers CEO foresees a rosy future for the industry despite the forthcoming elections. 

“We have no issues with the elections. They come and go. Though there may be a small window of apprehension in the market mostly the election week, but after that, business goes on,” he says. 

Macharia adds that the pandemic affected business in an unprecedented way, noting that they still continue to feel the effects of the lockdowns and restrictions imposed last year.

Industrial manifesto

“Our sector strategies are usually not based on the turn of the year, we must keep planning as we go along, he told Business Hub. 

Phyllis Wakiaga, Kenya Association of Manufactures (KAM) Chief Exceutive said this year the body will undertake engagements with political leaders across the country culminating in the formal launch of the Industrial Manifesto. 

“As part of our endeavour to grow the economy through industrialisation, KAM seeks to engage political leaders during this electioneering period with the aim of sharpening the focus on the economic agenda of this country in their political party manifestos,” she said.

She added that the engagements will culminate in the launch of 2022 Manufacturing Priority Agenda.